The Alteration of U.S. University Admission Procedures

The Alteration of U.S. University Admission Procedures

A Pain in the Neck: The Chaos of Modern College Applications

It's that time of the year again – high school seniors across the nation are slogging through the college application process. Let's face it, folks – we're all feeling the struggle. From my own experiences, I can tell you that most of us aren't having a blast with admissions, with words like "agonizing" and "overwhelming" often used by applicants to describe the process. It's a far cry from how simple it used to be back in the day. Despite the current seeming difficulty, my mom Hiroko (like many parents) is lending a hand in the college process. She graduated from Marymount College (now absorbed by Fordham University, often confused with Marymount Manhattan College) and is always reminding me about how much tougher things have gotten over the past few decades. But what's led to these changes?

What's Cooking in a College Application?

College applications involve tons of paperwork that comes together to create a unique profile for students applying to various institutions. These requirements can vary from school to school, making the process confusing for those targeting multiple schools. Some essential submissions include the high school transcript, standardized testing scores (ACT/SAT), letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and final transcripts. This procedure is no walk in the park, often calling for a cooperative effort from families, teachers, and guidance counselors. Some specialized colleges like UC Berkeley, Cooper Union, and institutions focused on specific subjects (like art, music, engineering, and business) may also require additional elements such as supplemental essays, auditions, portfolios, or interviews. In addition to the work involved in applying, students need to consider the financial aspects of their future education.

Attending college has become downright pricey, with tuition expenses for many U.S. colleges skyrocketing by over 135% since 1963. To help cover these escalating costs, applicants and their families typically complete financial aid forms like FAFSA (for federal aid) and CSS Profile (for private institutions), hopefully receiving assistance to make college more affordable. Unfortunately, these forms are notoriously arduous, as accurate information from all family taxpayers is usually required. Overall, the plethora of items students need to focus on when applying to college makes for a highly stressful and time-consuming process for multiple parties. It's no secret that the demands colleges place on their applicants have become more stringent. So, what's causing these shifts?

The College Application's Wicked Escalation

Columbia University first introduced the concept of the modern college application in 1919 to combat a skewed student body composition caused by its selection based solely on merit. Nowadays, the Common Application (since 1975), serving 517 colleges in 2024, is commonly used in the U.S. Since its inception, many schools have become far more selective in their admissions. To illustrate the trend, take a look at statistics from the University of California (UC) system. According to the Public Policy Institute of California, admission rates dramatically decreased at most UC schools from 2007 to 2017. For instance, UC Los Angeles transitioned from a 26% acceptance rate in 2007 to a 16% acceptance rate in 2017, ultimately hitting a 9% acceptance rate in 2023. As of today, UCLA's acceptance rate stands at 8.6%, showing that – like many universities in the U.S. – it continues to develop an increasingly demanding admissions process. This trend shows no signs of slowing down, so let's dive into the reasons behind it.

Firstly, the Common Application's expansive reach has made it easy for more students than ever to apply to college. According to the Common Application's website, over one million students use their online application process and a third are first-generation college students in their families. During the 1950s, having a college degree was less of a necessity, so application numbers were significantly lower. The number of applicants has been steadily increasing each year, growing by 28% in the 2019-2020 school year. Despite varying percentages over the years, colleges typically don't significantly alter the number of students they admit. With more high school seniors applying to institutions every year and the number of students a college can accommodate remaining unchanged, the application process has become considerably more difficult. Colleges want top-tier talent, so they increase the standards for their applicants to find the best of the best.

Another factor driving this increased competitiveness is the adoption of strategies around college applications. Terms like "safety schools," "target schools," and "reach schools" greatly increase the number of applications that each institution receives. "Safeties" are colleges that applicants are almost guaranteed to get into due to their academic records surpassing the average range of the last admitted class. "Targets" are colleges that accept students with academic records fitting the school's range. "Reaches" are schools with expectations higher than those of the applicant's credentials, meaning it's difficult, but not impossible to be accepted. Most students nowadays follow these concepts, consistently applying to a similar number of each type of school to boost their chances of being accepted to a college they like. As more applicants adopt these strategies, application competitiveness grows, amplifying the overall stress of the process.

In the States, college applicants are usually under a time crunch, juggling multiple application deadlines. Students can opt for early decision (a binding contract that forces a student to attend their school if accepted) or early action (the non-binding version of early decision for those wanting faster responses). Applications are usually due November 1st or 15th. Applying early can boost a student's chances as it shows interest in the school, but it also means working faster to complete essays and forms than those applying through regular decisions. It's rare for students to apply only to one school early, making managing numerous deadlines critical for a rewarding and successful college application journey.

In conclusion, the requirements placed on college applicants have significantly increased over the past few decades due to increased competition, a greater emphasis on holistic review, higher academic expectations, and evolving admissions strategies. Students must excel academically, stand out in various aspects, and navigate a highly competitive and complex admissions landscape. The chaotic and stressful nature of the modern college application process is neither a myth nor a myth's cousin! But with effective planning, organization, and a balanced approach, applicants can tackle the process head-on and ensure they pursue a fulfilling educational path.

1. In the realm of education-and-self-development, numerous online platforms now offer video tutorials and editorial content aimed at guiding high school students through the complexities of the college application process, providing tips and strategies to help them stand out from the crowd.
2. To further supplement their learning, students can explore education-and-self-development websites and social media platforms that share photography showcasing the beauty and diversity of college campuses, providing a spotlight on each institution and helping applicants envision themselves thriving in various environments.
3. For those interested in online learning, many educational institutions provide online-education resources specifically designed to help students excel in critical thinking, communication skills, and academic preparation, all vital elements when navigating the competitive landscape of modern college applications.

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